p53 protein accumulation and mutations in normal and benign breast tissue

Mutations in the p53 gene are amongst the most common molecular changes detected in breast cancer, and there are several reports suggesting that changes in p53 may contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease. In a previous case-control study, we demonstrated that p53 protein accumulation detected by immunohistochemistry in normal or benign breast tissue was associated with a 2.5-fold increase in the risk of subsequent breast cancer. In this study, we investigated whether p53 gene mutations were present in the 29 p53 immunopositive normal or benign breast tissue samples and in 15 p53 immunonegative normal or benign breast tissue samples selected randomly from the original study. DNA was extracted from paraffin sections and underwent PCR-SSCP analysis for exons 4 to 10. PCR products that showed abnormal mobility were excised and sequenced. Sixteen (59.2%) of the 27 immunopositive breast tissue samples and 4 (26.7%) of the 15 immunonegative samples had p53 sequence changes. There was no obvious association between the occurrence of these alterations and any specific histopathologic features. Ten cases showed p53 mutations, and they were all missense base substitutions of the transition type. Thirteen other gene changes occurred in 11 breast tissue samples and consisted of 8 silent (no amino acid change), 4 intronic alterations, and 1 indeterminate alteration. One individual had both a mutation and a silent change. In summary, p53 gene alterations can occur in normal or benign breast tissue, but resolution of their role in the pathogenesis of breast cancer will require long-term follow-up studies involving comparisons of breast cancer occurrence in patients with and without p53 mutations as well as functional assays to determine their significance.

[Research on mental health status of 726 adolescents and its influential factors]

Mental health status of 726 adolescents and their backgrounds were investigated with Symptom Check List(SCL-90) and self-designed questionnaire. The results showed that the prevalence rate of psychological problems ranged from 6.34% to 24.93%. Among these problems, obsession led all the others. Females had higher scores in interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, phobia than males. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the major factors contributed to mental health status of adolescents were the relationship between teacher and student, father's concern with his child, only child or not, parents' expectations, personality and sex. The study provides reference source for improving the mental health status of adolescents.

Morphological changes of spermatozoa in proximal vas deferens after vasectomy

AIM

To investigate the morphological changes of spermatozoa in the proximal vas deferens after vasectomy.

METHODS

Proximal vas deferens fluids were collected from 79 fertile men (group A) and 64 vasectomized men (group B) during the operations of vasectomy or vasovasostomy. Sperm morphology in the proximal vas deferens was analyzed after staining with the modified Papanicolaou method.

RESULTS

The percentage of spermatozoa with a normal oval head from group B (50. 7% +/- 21.7%) was significantly lower than that of group A (75.2% +/- 11.1%). The data in group A was similar to those of normal semen and therefore represents the physiological condition of the proximal vas deferens sperm of fertile men. There were no significant differences in the percentages of normal oval heads in group B with the time since vasectomy.

CONCLUSION

After vasectomy, the spermatozoa in the proximal vas deferens and epididymis were continuously degenerating and being replenished by spermatozoa coming from testis. The obvious morphological degeneration occurred in the sperm tail and spermatozoa with a small oval head and amorphous heads were increased.

[A chromosomal integration system for development of polyvalent vaccine strains]

We have developed a potential bivalent vaccine stain through the chromosomal integration system in which the gene that codes for the B subunit of cholera toxin was integrated into the chromosome of an attenuated strain of Salmonella typhimurium. This system involves two steps: construction of a hisOG deletion mutation into the chromosome of S. typhimurium strain SL3261: and replacement of the hisOG deletion by the complete hisOG region and the segment of heterologous DNA which codes for the B subunit of cholera toxin. The recombinant strain SL3261 (named TT201) was obtained. Southern hybrid confirmed that the CTB gene was integrated into the chromosome of TT201. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the CTB gene was expressed stably in TT201. When administered orally to mice, the recombinant strain elicited a serum antibody response to CTB. The strain TT201 is a potentially bivalent vaccine candidate.

Effect of histidine on myocardial mitochondria and platelet aggregation during thrombotic cerebral ischemia in rats

AIM

To study the effect of histidine on cerebral thrombosis and possible mechanism.

METHODS

Cerebral-cardiac stroke was produced by photochemically induced thrombotic cerebral ischemia in rats.

RESULTS

Platelet aggregation in whole blood increased markedly, peak heights at 4 and 24 h were (5.1 +/- 0.5) omega and (4.3 +/- 0.5) omega, respectively. Heart mitochondria volume (V), volume density (Vv), surface density (Nm), and surface density of outer membrane (Sv1) increased (8.2 +/- 5.5, 0.59 +/- 0.16, 0.11 +/- 0.03, and 0.22 +/- 0.05, respectively, P < 0.01), but numerical density (Nv), specific surface of inner membrane (delta 2) and of the cristae (delta 3) decreased (0.07 +/- 0.02, 2.8 +/- 0.8, and 2.4 +/- 0.7, respectively, P < 0.01) after cerebral thrombosis. The myocardial histopathologic characteristics were different from those of ischemic necrosis and myocardial damage caused by ischemic reperfusion. In rat treated with histidine after photochemical reaction, platelet aggregation decreased markedly [(2.93 +/- 1.08) omega, P < 0.01], reversible change often went with parameters related to the inner mitochondrial membrane but not the outer mitochondrial membrane.

CONCLUSION

Histidine depressed platelet aggregation and reduced myocardial mitochondrial damage resulted from cerebral ischemia.

Stable transfection of nonosteogenic cell lines with tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase enhances mineral deposition both in the presence and absence of beta-glycerophosphate: possible role for alkaline phosphatase in pathological mineralization

It is documented that alkaline phosphatase (AP) plays an important role in bone mineralization. Considering that TN-AP is expressed in periodontal ligament fibroblasts, renal epithelial cells, and vascular endothelial cells, and that TN-AP is both a calcium-/phosphate-binding protein and a phosphohydrolytic enzyme, we hypothesize that membrane-bound AP also plays an important role in the initiation of physiological and pathological mineralizations in tissues other than bone and cartilage. To test this hypothesis, nonosteoblast cell lines, including a fibroblast line, a renal epithelial line, and a capillary endothelial line, were stably transfected to express high levels of rat bone AP on their cell surfaces. These rat bone AP-expressing cells were then cultured on filter membranes in the presence or absence of beta-glycerol phosphate. von Kossa staining for calcium phosphate and transmission electron microscopy with electron diffraction analysis for minerals were employed to investigate the effect of membrane AP on extracellular calcium phosphate mineralization. Our results indicated that AP expression on these nonosteoblast-like cell surfaces have induced extracellular hydroxyapatite (HAP) mineralization. Our findings support the concept that membrane-bound AP contributes to extracellular apatitic mineralization by mechanisms that do not necessarily involve its hydrolase activity. They also suggest that AP might be important for the initiation of pathological mineralization in nonosteogenic tissues.

Defective post-thymic tolerance mechanisms during the chronic progressive stage of multiple sclerosis

We have recently isolated a panel of T-cell clones from chronic progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) patients that are capable of functioning as antigen-presenting cells and of expressing the costimulatory molecules B7-1 and B7-2. In this report we show that these T-cell clones are resistant to inhibitory regulation, including the induction of anergy and sensitivity to tumor growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)-induced growth inhibition. The resistance to anergy induction was associated with expression of B7 costimulatory molecules. These data suggest that lack of responsiveness to peripheral inhibitory signals may account for the entry of autoimmune diseases into a chronic progressive phase.

Expression and localization of inhibin/activin and activin receptors in GH3 cells, a rat pituitary adenocarcinoma cell line

Inhibins and activins are members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) superfamily. Since TGF beta has been shown to be a potent proliferation-inhibiting agent for the pituitary adenocarcinoma cell line, GH3, we determined whether this cell line (a) transcribes mRNAs coding for inhibin/activin subunits (alpha and beta A) and activin receptors I, II, and IIB; and (b) produces inhibin and/or activin proteins. Messenger RNAs for the alpha- and beta A-subunits of inhibin and activin receptors I, II, and IIB in GH3 cells were detected and localized using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis and in situ hybridization, respectively. The identity of the RT-PCR products was confirmed by DNA sequencing of PCR products. Immunocytochemically, inhibin and activin were localized in these cells. Our findings indicate that messenger RNAs encoding inhibin alpha- and beta A-subunits and activin receptors I, II, and IIB were expressed, and inhibin/activin proteins were produced, by GH3 cells, imply that these gonadal growth factors may have paracrine/autocrine functions in rat pituitary adenocarcinoma. Further, these observation suggest that these growth factors may be involved in regulating the growth and differentiational of rat pituitary adenocarcinoma cells.

Expression and localization of inhibin alpha-subunit in rat retinal photoreceptor cells

To determine whether rat retinal photoreceptor cells produce inhibin, a molecule closely related to activin, a multifunctional growth factor in the transforming growth factor beta superfamily (TGF beta), we have conducted immunohistochemistry using specific antibodies for inhibin which were raised against a synthetic N-terminal fragment of the alpha-subunit of inhibin. The mature inhibin molecule was identified at both the inner and outer segments of photoreceptor cells. To determine if messenger RNA for the alpha-subunit of inhibin is expressed in the retinal cells, both in situ hybridization with a specific probe and the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique with primers specific for the alpha-subunit of inhibin were used. Messenger RNA expression of the alpha-subunit of inhibin was detected by RT-PCR and localized in the photoreceptor cells as determined by in situ hybridization. In addition, the identity of the cDNA product of RT-PCR was verified with Southern analysis and DNA sequencing. The localization of mature inhibin protein and its corresponding message to photoreceptor cells suggest that inhibin may have a paracrine function in the retina, perhaps in the photoreceptor cells themselves.

Proteins in fluid from the proximal vas deferens of normal fertile and vasectomized men

Fluids were collected from the proximal vas deferens of 18 normal fertile men and 32 vasectomized men during vasectomy or vasovasostomy, respectively, and the protein concentration and pattern of proteins were then analysed by sodium dodecylsulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). In normal fertile men and vasectomized men there were no significant differences in total protein concentrations between fluids from the left and right vas deferens. The total protein concentration of proximal vas fluid from vasectomized men (82.8 +/- 7.5 mg/ml; mean +/- SEM) was significantly higher than in normal fertile men (36.8 +/- 4.5 mg/ml). In vasectomized men there was no significant correlation between the total protein concentration in vas fluid and the duration of vasectomy. The patterns of protein bands in proximal vas fluid differed from those in seminal plasma. There was no relationship between the pattern of protein bands in vas fluid and the duration of vasectomy. Five major groups of proteins from proximal vas fluid were identified and no new major proteins were found in proximal vas fluid were identified and no new major proteins were found in proximal vas fluid after vasectomy. The percentage of 80K and 67K protein bands in vasectomized men was higher than that in normal fertile men. It is suggested that, after vasectomy, the physiological environment of the proximal vas deferens may be changed. One of these changes may be the higher total protein concentration (especially the 80K and 67K proteins) in vas fluid.

Histidine ameliorated brain edema and cardiac dysfunction during local thrombotic cerebral ischemia in rats

AIM

To observe the effects of histidine (i.v. 5 mg.kg-1) on brain edema and cardiac disturbance after cerebral thrombosis.

METHODS

Regional cerebral thrombosis was induced by photochemical method in rats.

RESULTS

It was showed that the brain water content increased markedly (85.6 +/- 3.8%, P < 0.01); the left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP, 17.9 +/- 1.5 kPa) and the maximal left ventricular contractility decreased (+dp/dtmax 645 +/- 110 kPa and -dp/dtmax 473 +/- 106 kPa, P < 0.05). In rats treated with histidine after photochemical reaction, the brain water content decreased (81.5 +/- 2.0%) while LVSP (21.2 +/- 1.1 kPa) and left ventricular +dp/dtmax and -dp/dtmax increased markedly (777 +/- 144 kPa and 604 +/- 157 kPa, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Histidine has protective effects on the brain and cardiac function during cerebral thrombosis.

[Clinical observation on the treatment of ischemic heart disease with Astragalus membranaceus]

92 patients suffering from ischemic heart disease was successfully treated with Astragalus membranaceus (AM). The effect of the treatment was compared with that of Nifedipine and Tab. Salviae miltiorrhizae. The clinical practice showed that the group treated with AM yielded better results. After having administered the drug, the patients were markedly relieved from angina pectoris (heart stroke). Meanwhile the improvement of clinical objective index such as electrocardiogram (EKG) and impedance cardiogram can also be observed. The effective rate of EKG improvement was 82.6%. The treatment of ischemic heart disease with AM was significantly more effective in comparing with control group (P < 0.05).

Analysis of spermatozoa from the proximal vas deferens of vasectomized men

This study assessed the condition of spermatozoa from the proximal vas deferens of men after vasectomy. The fluids of both proximal vas deferens were collected from 67 vasectomized men by cannulating the vas deferens at the time of vasectomy reversal. Selected sperm parameters were analysed after incubation of the spermatozoa for 30 min at 37 degrees C. Sperm concentration in the proximal vas from vasectomized men (16,312 +/- 21,496 million per ml, geometric mean: 7948 +/- 398 million per ml) was significantly higher than that of fertile men and was maintained at a constant level independent of the duration of vas obstruction. The means of sperm motility (36.2 +/- 26.2%), spermatozoa with normal morphology (50.7 +/- 21.7%), sperm viability (53.0 +/- 25.3%) and hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOS-test, 53.9 +/- 21.7%) were statistically lower than the respective values for normal fertile men. There was no significant correlation between the duration of vas obstruction and the above semen parameters. In 46.4% of vas fluids all spermatozoa were immotile and this condition was more common after 3 years of vasectomy. Immotile spermatozoa in the proximal vas fluids at the time of vasectomy reversal may be an important factor for predicting semen quality and fertilizing ability after vasovasostomy. There were no significant differences in the results of sperm-cervical mucus penetration test (CMPT) between spermatozoa from vasectomized and fertile men. Antisperm antibodies on the surface of spermatozoa from the vas of vasectomized men were determined by the immunobead test (IBT; 78.6% for IgG, 32.1% for IgA) and sperm cervical mucus contact test (SCMC, 36.4%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Prophylactic effects of zhuling and BCG on postoperative recurrence of bladder cancer]

The prophylactic effects of Chinese herbal medicine Zhuling (Grifola umbellata pilat) and BCG on bladder cancer after TURBT and partial cystectomy were evaluated. 146 patients with bladder cancer were divided into 3 groups, Zhuling, BCG, and control group. Follow-up for 48-124 months (average 70.8 months) showed that the tumor recurrence rate was 33.3%, 34.3% and 65.1%, respectively. Compared to the control group, the recurrence rate of Zhuling group and BCG group was significantly decreased (P < 0.01). The effect of Zhuling was similar to that intravesical BCG. Zhuling was cheaper and convenient in usage, and no side effects.

[Double J stent for pelvis-ureter junction stricture]

Twenty-one patients (27 ureters) with pelvis-ureter junction stricture were treated by persistent dilatation with indwelling double J stent in the ureter. The double J stents were inserted by means of retrograde cystoscopic approach. The duration of stents left in the ureters was 3 approximately 12 months. Follow-up for 5 approximately 36 months after removed the double J stents showed the extinction of the symptoms, remission of the hydropyonephrosis and improvement of the renal function. The excretion urography and retrograde pyelography showed improvement of stricture in 25 ureters. We suggest that persistent dilatation with double J stent be used as first choice for treatment of pelvis-ureter junction stricture.

[Squamous cell carcinoma of urinary epithelia: report of 15 cases]

From May 1983 to 1992, 15 patients with urinary epithelial squamous cell carcinoma in renal pelvis (7) and in bladder (8) were treated. Eleven of them were complicated by urinary tract stone. Of the 15 patients, 8 were misdiagnosed as having simple urinary stone and 1 renal tuberculosis. It is suggested that active treatment for urinary stones be used to prevent the occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma and that possibility of concomitant epithelial tumor in patients with long-term and large urinary stones be considered.

Temporary arterial occlusion during intracranial aneurysm surgery

Temporary arterial occlusion during intracranial aneurysm surgery is a safe and effective modality. It is not only an emergency measure for controlling aneurysmal bleeding, but also a helpful means for accurate and meticulous dissection and clipping of an intracranial aneurysm with the advantage of minimizing the chance of its premature rupture or causing damage to the vital neurovascular structures. This technique is especially useful for treating large or giant aneurysms, carotid-ophthalmic arterial aneurysms, or thin-walled and complicated aneurysms tightly adherent to their surrounding tissues. A series of 52 patients with temporary clipping of the involved arteries during intracranial aneurysm surgery were reviewed retrospectively, which represented 37.1% of all aneurysms operated on in Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical University during the same period (from 1980 to 1990). Of them, one died (1.9%), 10(19.2%) had immediate or early neurological deficits which were mostly resolved later. A follow-up study with an average time of 3.8 years showed that 98% of patients had an excellent and good recovery without significant deficits. Comparing these results with those in 88 patients with aneurysms operated on over the same period in which temporary clips were not used, there is clearly no significant difference. The use of brain protectors, barbiturates, hypothermia and some monitoring systems can increase the safe coefficient to the brain and reduce the occurrence of ischemic complications during the application of temporary arterial occlusion. However, there is so far neither an absolute reliable medication or monitor, nor a well accepted safe time-limits to vascular occlusion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Analysis of spermatozoa from the proximal vas deferens of fertile men

Fluids from the left and right proximal vas deferens were collected from 105 normal fertile men by cannulating the vas deferens during vasectomy, and sperm parameters analysed. Sperm motility (73.1 +/- 13.3%), normal sperm morphology (75.2 +/- 11.1%), sperm viability (72.7 +/- 18.8%) and the hypo-osmotic swelling test (73.3 +/- 19.2%) were in the normal range, compared with that of ejaculated spermatozoa. However, sperm concentration in the proximal vas deferens (6274.6 +/- 5103.8 x 10(6) ml-1 was higher than that in semen. Sperm concentration in the right vas deferens was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that in the left and the percentage of spermatozoa showing abnormal cervical mucus penetration was significantly higher (47%) for the left than for the right (18%). There were no anti-sperm antibodies on the surface of spermatozoa from the vas deferens as determined by the sperm cervical mucus contact test and immunobead test. These parameters of spermatozoa from the proximal vas may reflect those of spermatozoa from the human cauda epididymis.

Congenital absence of vas deferens treated by artificial spermatocele constructed from the tunica vaginalis; report of six cases

Six patients with congenital absence of the vas deferens were treated by artificial spermatoceles (ASCs) in an attempt to collect sperm for subsequent artificial insemination (AI). The ASC was constructed from a flap of tunica vaginalis from the patient. Sperm were aspirated from the ASC each month; there was wide variation in the concentration of sperm recovered [33.0 +/- 48.2 x 10(6) mL-1 (range 0.1-200)] and motility and normal morphology of the sperm were 19.0 +/- 17.9% and 48.8 +/- 23.4% respectively. Although a total of 14 cycles of AI was performed using the aspirated sperm, pregnancy did not result. Both poor sperm recovery and poor motility contributed to this failure. The condition of the epididymis observed during scrotum examination is reported. It is suggested that in some patients with congenital absence of vas deferens, the paired Wolffian ducts may differ from each other in their development.